Sunday, January 31, 2010

Yesterday I did a mellow ride which I may attend more often and use it in my training program as a recovery ride. As part of our efforts in developing new riders, Bike Religion sponsors a ride at the Renaissance Sport Club in Aliso Viejo. Our interests are providing a safe, non-competitive environment to help spin class attendees transition safely into becoming road cyclists. Some of the obstacles that prevent spin class goers from getting on the road are:

1. What routes are safe to ride
2. The potential hazards such as road debris

3. The fear of co-existing with SUV's
4. Finding people to ride with that have common training goals
5. Finding people to ride with that have similar ability levels

We hope to provide a solution to some if not all of these obstacles and help cyclists of all ability levels enjoy the sport we at Bike Religion are so passionate about.

I am providing a couple of links and to Garmin downloads so that riders interested in the ride can get a lay of the land. And just for kicks I am including my power chart. I worked hard on a couple of rollers so that one of the ride attendees, Trey, would have someone to work with. You will notice around mile 17 there appears to be 3 hills that are almost exactly the same. That's because they are lol! I completed the hill and went back for a straggler. Mile 17ish would be a right turn off of Pacific Coast Hwy onto Crown Valley Parkway.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

I had intentions of riding Palomar Mountain on my only day off. I had worked six days this week and wanted something other than riding the local roads. But after I sent out an email about my intentions some riders reported that there was ice on the upper slopes of Mount Palomar. So instead I met with Dave Elsberry and we did a century at a good fast pace in Orange County.

Our century had lots of rolling terrain and some good climbs I hadn't ridden before. We had a good ratio for the first 40 miles-- 40 miles 4,000 feet of gain. At some point the climbing was less per mile but the intensity made up for it. I think we are pretty evenly paced and make good riding partners. I faded on the last 10 miles but I think I just didn't fuel properly. I guess I thought "what's the big deal? It's just a century." I also flatted twice one rear caused by debris in the bike lane and the other a front flat while descending Sliverado Canyon.

Friday, January 22, 2010

LA JOLLA, CA - AdventureCORPS, Inc., an athlete-run firm producing some of the world's toughest sports events - including the Badwater Ultramarathon and Furnace Creek 508 races in Death Valley - will host "80 FOR HAITI," a cycling benefit ride for Haiti relief supporting Mercy Corps on Saturday, February 13, 2010. The event will feature an 80-mile ride along Old Hwy 80 in southeastern San Diego County. There will be an $80 entry fee and 100% of the entry fees will go directly to Mercy Corps, one of the most respected relief organizations worldwide. AdventureCORPS will absorb all costs, but food, drink, and support sponsors are being sought.

The "80 FOR HAITI" cycling event start / finish line is just 44 miles east of San Diego, in Pine Valley, CA. The route is spectacular, on absolutely quiet roads through rolling terrain.

As international relief efforts continue in Haiti, a Mercy Corps earthquake response team is in Port-au-Prince responding to urgent needs.

Registering for this ride - or donating to the cause, if you can't do the actual ride - will help families in Haiti recover from the most powerful quake to hit the country in more than 200 years. Mercy Corps relief workers with experience in disaster responses ranging from Hurricane Katrina to the Myanmar cyclone are converging on Haiti from Africa, Asia, and North America. They're focusing first on the immediate needs -- for water, food, temporary shelter supplies and much more -- and expanding their work to three areas: clean water, post-trauma support for children, and job creation.

The needs in Haiti are immense. Its capital lies in ruins, as many as 200,000 may be dead, and survivors are increasingly desperate for food, clean water and shelter. Please ride "80 For Haiti" and/or give what you can to help families recover.

Cycling participants in 80 FOR HAITI must pre-register for the event, so that we can plan accordingly. PLEASE register prior to February 8 for the ride. Donations will be accepted through February 13, and beyond.

Can you ride 80 miles for Haiti? | Can you donate $80 (or more) for Haiti, whether you ride or not? | Can you help us spread the word about this event - RIGHT NOW? Please do!

Click here for all the 80 FOR HAITI information and the Link to Registration / Donation:

Don't Want to, or Can't, Ride 80 FOR HAITI, but you still want to donate? Or perhaps you and your friends want to ride your own "80 FOR HAITI" near where you live? Go for it! Please use this link and DONATE NOW directly to Mercy Corps:

• Held along Eastern San Diego County's Old Hwy 80: Minimal traffic, no traffic lights, and just a few stop signs.

• Three well-stocked checkpoints, plus roving SAG support vehicles on the course.

• The entry fee is a minimum $80 donation: 100% of ALL entry fees will go to Mercy Corps.

ABOUT THE HAITI EARTHQUAKE

The 2010 Haiti earthquake was a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake with the epicenter near Léogane, approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) west of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, striking at 16:53:10 local time (21:53:10 UTC) on Tuesday, 12 January 2010. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 13 kilometres (8.1 mi). The United States Geological Survey recorded a series of at least 33 aftershocks, fourteen of them between magnitudes 5.0 and 5.9. The International Red Cross estimated that about three million people were affected by the quake, and the Haitian Interior Minister believes that up to 200,000 have died as a result of the disaster, exceeding earlier Red Cross estimates of 45,000–50,000. Several prominent public figures are among the dead. The Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive recently announced that over 70,000 bodies have been buried in mass graves. Source (and more details):Wikipedia.com

OFFICIAL CHARITY

The Official Charity of 80 FOR HAITI is Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps is a team of 3700 professionals helping turn crisis into opportunity for millions around the world. By trade, they are engineers, financial analysts, drivers, community organizers, project managers, public health experts, administrators, social entrepreneurs and logisticians. In spirit, they are activists, optimists, innovators and proud partners of the people they serve. According to their website:

"Mercy Corps has long been recognized as an excellent steward of the resources entrusted to it. Over the past five years, more than 89 percent of our resources have been allocated to programs that help people in need. Ensuring that resources are wisely spent is the cornerstone of our values, vision, and strategy for growth in the future. We are proud of the awards, endorsements, memberships, and honors that substantiate our track record of accountability."

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Before I begin I would like to thank the RBA Dennis Stryker and all the volunteers. Thank you for allowing us to ride our bikes! I very much appreciate you folks that give back to the sport of Rando. My season opener was a sucess I finished first with a time of 6:55 for 122 miles and 8,600 feet of climbing. GARMIN PLAYER HERE

Secondly, I would like to say that when I do brevets I ride them as hard as I can for as long as I can. I consider them training races for my events later in the year. While some may enjoy the slow to medium pace that is allowed with a 13 hour time limit, for a 200km anyway, I'm much more interested in beating my times from previous years. I'm out there to test myself and my fitness as I progress through the winter months.

I don't believe in loading up my bike for a 200km or even a 600km with bags, racks, panniers, or my person with camelbacks and all that stuff. I consider all that stuff completely unnecessary in an urban setting like San Diego. There are so many places to get water on the course i.e. park fountains, fire houses, stores, fast food places, garden hoses, and even homes. Additionally, the weather is very predictable in San Diego and carrying a lot of clothing for the "what if" situations is again unnecessary. I don't wear rain gear in rainy conditions because most of it is subpar and doesn't work anyway. The colder it gets the more ultra thin layers of wool I wear. I subscribe to the "less is more" philosophy when I "race". I am a minimalist on the bike. If you leave it at home you will find you will rarely need it.

It may not be important to most riders on the brevet scene but if we analyze the gear choices of the first three riders that came in it seems we had many things in common. Two out of three of us had aero-bars (I didn't) , all three of us had two water bottles, Drew had a mini hydration pack, none of us had jackets, vests, or beenies, Two out of three of us only wore a jersey no vest nor arm warmers, two out of three of us had light weight carbon bikes the third a lightweight Aluminum bike, none of us had racks, panniers, trunk bags or the like, the three of us rode 23C tires, none of us had rain gear, none of us had hub generator lighting systems, all three of us had Double chainrings cranksets (53/39) I'm sure there was more but that's all I can recall one week later ;)

I couldn't believe how much clothing people had on at the start i.e jackets, vests, long tights, leg warmers, arm warmers, knee warmers, beenies and camelbacks. You would think they were doing a brevet on the east coast ;) and that it was much longer than a 200km. I wore a short sleeve jersey and my Skins cycling tights which are for compression not warmth. I kept thinking about those riders who brought all that extra gear what they did with all that gear when it warmed up to 80 degrees. I asked the rider that parked next to me if he really needed all that gear. He said he did and I left it at that.

2004 Chart of the 200km Brevet the course is essentially the same in regards to the major climbs the controls have changed slightly and a re-route for safety in the Rainbow area.

We started off with probably 65 riders. We rolled out from Doyle Park in La Jolla at 7:02am. There was one guy in a Death Valley Velo jersey pushing the pace from the very beginning. I couldn't figure out WHAT he was doing going that hard at mile 0. I asked Drew Peterson if he knew who this guy was and whether he was strong enough to hold that type of pace for the whole event. I wanted to ask him myself but never got around to it. It didn't matter anyway because he was dropped before we got out of Rancho Santa Fe (about mile 10). Pretty quickly our 60+ group was cut down to less than 20. By the time we got to Rancho Santa Fe we were down to about 10 riders.

While riding through Rancho Santa Fe, I tried to organize a paceline and was unsuccessful. I can't understand why Ultra cyclists are so dense on pacelining. In just about every Double Century I have done and many other draft-legal Ultras most riders get out and pull at the head of the line but don't roll off. They sit out in front for many minutes at a time while the other riders are sucking wheel. We could be going so much faster-- at least 2-3 mph faster. A four or five person paceline is a beautiful thing to watch. Here's a tip-- the paceline is in CONSTANT rotation. No one sits up front for more than 4-5 seconds that's it. I gave up after a few attempts.

While climbing through Del Dios Hwy we were less than six riders and the pace felt comfortable to me. I was having a good day on the bike and just felt great. Now the numbers were getting more manageable. My friend Josh caught up to us again. I was happy to see him bridge up to us. We tried a paceline again and this time it worked better.

When we got to the intersection of San Elijo Road and Elfin Forest we quickly turned up San Elijo Rd. We didn't see anyone manning a control at the intersection. We climbed to the top and didn't see anyone one there either (not that they were supposed to be there :) but just wishful thinking anyway. So we called the RBA and checked in with him. There were five of us at the top Drew, Dave, Mark, Josh and I can't remember who else. We were about 35 miles into the event at it was exactly 9am. I don't believe the base of the climb is a good place for the control.

We continued to the AM/PM control at a decent pace nothing to stressful. When we arrived there was one rider on a very highly spec'd Colnago that "threw in the towel" and then there were five of us. Drew flatted on Old Castle Rd as we were beginning the climb. Josh fell off the pace and I don't know what happened to Mark. Now it was just Dave and I climbing Old Castle. I felt great and kept the wattage near 280 (which is around 4 w/kg for me). I was in a good rhythm and could have pushed harder if necessary but I could tell I was dropping Dave. It was still too early to go solo being only about 40 miles into the event and another 80+ miles to go.

Old Castle climb last 5 minutes Training Peaks Screenshot from Power Tap Download

Yellow line is power

Green cadence

Blue speed

Here are my numbers for the entire ride.

Entire workout (175 watts):

Duration: 6:40:53 (6:55:04)

Work: 4161 kJ

TSS: 454.5 (intensity factor 0.831)

Norm Power:208

VI: 1.18

Pw:HR: -29.45%

Pa:HR: -44.02%

Distance: 121.789 mi

Min MaxAvg

Power: 0901175 watts

Heart Rate: 18225102 bpm

Cadence: 2922982 rpm

Speed: 2.350.318.5 mph

Pace 1:1226:06 3:15 min/mi

Hub Torque: 051580 lb-in

Crank Torque:01116188 lb-in

By the way for many of you this watts per kg talk may be over your head and I apologize for being such a numbers geek. I refer to power numbers, wattage and watts per kg, because it is a common denominator. People around country and the world reading this report would be able to understand my power output as it is more universally accepted as a measure of performance as opposed to my heart rate (which I don't track anyway). Basically it is just a power to weight ratio. So the higher the number the better the ratio and the faster you will go ...especially uphill. If I say I was climbing at 4.16 watts per kg or 4.16/kg.

On Saturday 1/9 I weighed 150 lbs or 68 kgs.

Divide the power output by 283watts /68kg and you arrive at 4.16 watts per kg or 4.16 w/kg

Now you look at the chart under the 5 minute column and find 4.16 and look to the left to see how that number corresponds with a general understanding of what type of power numbers riders that are Cat 3 can maintain for a 5 min period. As you can see the pros are on a completely different level than us when it comes to power production. Pros would be pushing in excess of 6.5 w/kg so for me that would be 68*6.5 = 442 an unfathomable number for 5 minutes!!

Couser Canyon caught me by surprise this year. I had forgotten it's steepness. Additionally, I was having Rear Der issues in that I couldn't use my 27T cog. I was using an 11-27 cassette with my 53/39 chainrings. When I would place my Rear Der in the 27T cog it would hit the spokes on the wheel. It's funny I manage a bike shop and can't get my own bike worked on. But business is good and the mechanics have been really busy. Anyway, I climbed Couser Canyon in my 39/24 all the while wishing my 27 would be available. I found out on Monday, when my mechanic looked at my bike, that my der. hanger was bent and that is why the rear der was hitting the spokes.

Dave and I descended Couser Canyon separately. I believe Dave is a cautious descender. A smart move because Couser Canyon has a lot of tight corners and the pavement isn't that great. As we started the climb up Rice Canyon I said to him that it wouldn't be long before Drew would catch us. And sure enough Drew caught us mid-way up Rice Canyon. We checked in to Rainbow about 11am.

From Rainbow it's pretty much all downhill to the finish. Sure you have a couple of little hills but basically it's downhill and into the headwind as you head West. Drew and I did most of the work since Dave was having cramping issues. I was fine with letting him sit on since I have been in his shoes many times before and besides I was having a great day on the bike.

On the San Luis Rey bike path Drew did most of the pulls and I rotated through sparingly. He had aerobars on his bike and I kind of wished I had mine on as well. The bike I rode was the same bike I rode at the 2009 Furnace Creek 508 (Cervelo Soloist SL 16 lbs with pedals, Power Tap and everything needed except water bottles) and I had aerobars on it then. I have been riding with roadie groups in Orange County and so the aerobars have come off.

I rode my Cervelo Soloist SL, Sasha, without aero bars.

Once on Pacific Coast Hwy at about 1230pm, Drew again did most of the pulls. He was maintaining a good pace and I was having some cramping issues now. From the beginning of the day I had wanted to go sub 7 hours on this course because I had never done it. We were cutting it close but it was looking good. Sub seven hours would mean before 2pm. We were about 30 miles from the finish with less than 1.5 hours AND the most traffic laden section of the course still do.

I find it amusing when riders on the coast draft US and then sprint up a roller and look back to see if they've dropped us. It's funny because they don't know we have been riding for close to 7 hours and have done 7000+ feet of gain. We pushed as hard as was necessary to maintain a sub seven our pace and let the rabbits go. I remember one time Drew was tempted to chase and I said "let him go" he agreed later calling him a "putz" I think. LOL!

On the Torrey Pines climb I was getting tired and my power production was not really there. I was ok with just sitting on Drew's wheel. His pace was good and honestly if I was up front we might have slowed down a bit. We were still able to pass everyone that was on the hill even though we were nearing the end of our 200km and had over 100 miles on our legs.

We arrived at 1357 or 1:57 pm. We rolled at 7:02 so our total time should be 6:55. I'm very happy with my time OUR time since I have never gone sub 7 hours on this course. Thanks to Drew and Dave, I achieved MY goal. By the way, it doesn't come easy to do this course in sub seven hours. I was really tired, had cramps and lots of leg fatigue, and a few aches and pains throughout the event. It's just a question of how much suffering you want to subject yourself to in order to achieve your goals. By Monday my DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Sorenes) was in full force. I wore my Skins Compression tights for recovery over the next two days.

I'll only be doing the 300km brevet this year since I have schedule conflicts for the 400km and the 600km.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Don't forget to register for this epic century! Brandy and I were invited to pre-ride this on a cold November day and this route doesn't disappoint. Sign up now!

AdventureCORPS announces San Diego County's Newest, Toughest, Most Epic, and Most Traffic-Free Century Cycling Event. Basketball legend Bill Walton to serve as Chairman of Good Times.

LA JOLLA, CA - AdventureCORPS, Inc., an athlete-run firm producing and promoting ultra-endurance and extreme sports events, lifestyle, and media, is pleased to announce the inaugural Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic on Saturday, April 17, 2010, featuring 103 miles with 10,000 feet of climbing and three different ascents of San Diego County's Mount Laguna and breath-taking views of the Anza-Borrego Desert far below. With a start/finish line just 44 miles east of downtown San Diego, the route for this timed cycling event features just three stop signs and NO traffic lights.

This incredible event features three loops that all begin and end in or near Pine Valley, CA. Each of the three loops ascends Mount Laguna on a different route: via Sunrise Hwy from the north, via the fabled and car-free Kitchen Creek from the south-east, and via the little-known and truly epic Pine Creek drainage from the west. (known as Noble Canyon to mountain bikers, but our paved route features grades as steep as 20 percent). All three loops descend Mount Laguna south-bound on Sunrise Highway. The total distance for all three loops is 103 miles with over 10,000 feet of elevation gain. A one loop, 45 mile option, and two loop, 77 mile option, are also offered.

The entry fee is just $79, registration is limited to 300, and it is expected to sell out quickly. Entry includes six well-stocked checkpoints featuring Hammer Nutrition, roving SAG support, finish line meal, and the opportunity to compete in the Cycling Club Challenge (for the 103 mile route): The top three (male and female) riders' combined times from each cycling club determine the Club Champions. The three riders must be Co-Ed (2 males / 1 female or 1 male / 2 females), but they do NOT have to ride together. Finishing times will be tallied at the finish to determine the Club Champions. Each of the three winning club riders will win $200 in "AdventureCORPS Bucks" redeemable for event entries or gear, as well a year of bragging rights. Cycling Club affiliation must be stated while registering for the event.

Basketball legend, television sportscaster, cycling author, and life-long cyclist Bill Walton, a San Diego native and resident, will participate in the Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic and will serve as the Chairman of Good Times, Social Affairs, Customer Relations and All Things Fun. He had this to say about the event: "Now, Chris Kostman has designed a tough, challenging 100 miler that incorporates three ever-more-difficult ascents to the Promised Land, including the car-less Kitchen Creek fantasy. And I can’t wait. With unbelievable diversity of every aspect of life, this day will surely stand out as a monument to all we could ever hope for in any one 24 hour period. Terrific scenery, unparalleled beauty, endless vistas, great roads, a clean and safe environment, crystal clear and fresh air, extensive support, and all our best friends getting together for a day of celebration, camaraderie, exercise, spiritual fulfillment, Mount Laguna and the sprawling San Diego backcountry. If there is anything else out there please let me know - quickly. Chris Kostman has put it all together here and we couldn’t be happier or luckier." (Bill's full statement is below.)

An Official Pre-Ride of the route was held on November 14, 2009 with positive feedback from all 16 participants, including:

"The Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic is Southern California riding at its finest, and toughest: one hundred miles of mountain back roads and not a single stop light to break the rhythm of the fantastic scenery, from mountain pine, to desert cactus and chaparral. It's a challenge for the legs and lungs, but the scenery and space are all payback." - Dustin Sharp, Rough Riders

"The pre-ride at Mt. Laguna was brutally awesome. The route was simple, no numerous turns to get confused. Just a few glances at the rout sheet and you're on your way. The three loops made it stress-free and a sense of security that everybody is close by. The views are amazing, especially on the first loop. The last loop made this ride very memorable due to its difficulty. You have to dig deep just to go over the next steep section on Pine Creek Rd. Whoo!!! This ride has all the elements of an 'epic' ride: greatness and adventure. Thank you." - Francis Ignacio, Adobo Velo

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Mt. Laguna route. Leave it to you to come up with those killer routes that tap into the dark crevices of our brains that make us want to return to repeat the moments of agony, namely that monster hill at the end. I'm definitely coming back in April, so put my name on the list. Riding atop the mountains on what appears to be paved fire roads was really enjoyable. The three downhills were fun and came at the precise right times during the ride. Now, the two most difficult centuries I have ever done are connected to YOU, Hell's Gate and Mt. Laguna. What's next? The scenery was fantastic and the traffic, or lack of, was welcomed. The motorists seemed to be accommodating to cyclists. Kudos to your sag support, once again top notch cycling nourishment was provided, along with the hot meal at the end." - John Marino, the godfather of ultracycling and creator of the Race Across America

Click here for all the Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic information and the Link to Registration:

http://www.adventurecorps.com/mlbc/

Click here for a preview video slideshow of the route:

http://www.adventurecorps.com/mlbc/recon/mlbcrecon.html

Click here for the report, results, images, and feedback from the November 14 Official Pre-Ride of the Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic:http://www.adventurecorps.com/mlbc/2009/index.html

MOUNT LAGUNA BICYCLE CLASSIC HIGHLIGHTS:

• April 17, 2010

• Held on Eastern San Diego County's Mount Laguna: Minimal traffic, no traffic lights, and just three stop signs.

• The toughest - and only TIMED - century in San Diego County.

• Cycling Club Challenge: The top three (M&F) riders' combined times from each club determine the Club Champions. Each of the three winning club riders wins $200 in "AdventureCORPS Bucks" redeemable for event entries or gear.

• The entry fee is just $79 with a 300 rider limit and it will SELL OUT!

STATEMENT FROM BILL WALTON:

AdventureCORPS, Mount Laguna, April 17, 2010:

For all the world to be aware, please let it be known that Bill Walton has been named the Chairman of Good Times, Social Affairs, Customer Relations and All Things Fun for the upcoming inaugural AdventureCORPS Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic on Saturday, April 17, 2010 starting at 7am PST in Pine Valley, California, USA.

Walton has been a lifelong cycling enthusiast and participant who had his life changed and saved since connecting with AdventureCORPS and Chris Kostman more than four years ago.

Since that transcendent moment, Walton has discovered that Kostman and AdventureCORPS are the keys to lifelong health, happiness, fitness and eternal salvation.

When finally reached for comment, the ever-busy Walton pulled over to the side of the road during a training ride on his bike and quickly pointed out that he was working diligently in preparation for the upcoming AdventureCORPS events in early 2010 like the Death Valley Century on March 6 and the Death Valley Hell’s Gate Hundred on April 3.

Finally able to recover and regroup enough to attempt to put a coherent thought together -then after wiping the sunscreen from his eyes - Walton had this to say about the AdventureCORPS Mt. Laguna Century on April 17:

“Chris Kostman and AdventureCORPS have given me the life that I have today. I live to ride and ride to live. After my spinal fusion surgery of nearly a year ago, I am back on the saddle again and ready to go. Chris’ events are always the best. The organization, management, support and over all good times are unsurpassed. He knows how to challenge us all and we always realize that we have to be on top of our own game to match the level of his preparation and imagination.

“And when I saw that he has come up with a new dream ride focused on Mount Laguna, I knew that once again Chris has found a new limit to what we think of as heaven on earth. This ride promises to be better than perfect on all fronts, all centered on the sacred ground that is Mount Laguna. This focal point has always held a fascinating spot in our consciousness. I grew up in San Diego - it has always been home - and Mount Laguna was forever the holy destination of choice for having a terrific time.

“Now, Chris Kostman has designed a tough, challenging 100 miler that incorporates three ever-more-difficult ascents to the Promised Land, including the car-less Kitchen Creek fantasy. And I can’t wait. With unbelievable diversity of every aspect of life, this day will surely stand out as a monument to all we could ever hope for in any one 24 hour period. Terrific scenery, unparalleled beauty, endless vistas, great roads, a clean and safe environment, crystal clear and fresh air, extensive support, and all our best friends getting together for a day of celebration, camaraderie, exercise, spiritual fulfillment, Mount Laguna and the sprawling San Diego backcountry. If there is anything else out there please let me know - quickly. Chris Kostman has put it all together here and we couldn’t be happier or luckier.

“I have been waiting for a miracle, and now that wait is over. Chris Kostman has done it again. I can only shudder to think where we would be without him.

“Chris has once again given us a reason to believe in a better tomorrow. There is new purpose and meaning in life itself.

“I plan on getting there early, helping Chris to get the show on the road; then, rolling out myself to enjoy one of the greatest experiences of my life. So please, bring your bike, your spirit, a willingness to smile, laugh and dream, and the unique soul that all participants in AdventureCORPS events either already have or are soon to acquire. Chris and I will take care of the rest.

“AdventureCORPS… Chris Kostman… three majestic, dynamic, explosive and exhilarating climbs to the top of THE MOUNTAIN… Mount Laguna... the San Diego back-country… sunshine daydreams … your bike… your newest best friends… and so much more… Is there anything else that anyone could ask for????

“April 17, 2010… 7am PST wheels down… come ready to ride… you have been notified … we will do our job… the rest is up to you.

“Miss this epic event at your own peril.

“Roll on forever, and enjoy the ride.”

And off he went - in search of yet another perfect day - the one that he knows he’s sure to find on April 17 on Mount Laguna.

ABOUT BILL WALTON:

Bill Walton (born November 5, 1952), is a retired American basketball player and current television sportscaster. The “Big Red-Head”, as he was called, achieved superstardom playing for John Wooden's powerhouse UCLA Bruins in the early '70s and winning three straight College Player of the Year Awards and went on to have a prominent career in the NBA. Walton was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on May 10, 1993 and the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame that same year. He is the father of current Los Angeles Lakers forward Luke Walton. - Quoted from Bill's bio on Wikipedia

Bill's Personal "Long Strange Trip" Website:

http://www.billwalton.com/

Bill's AdventureCORPS Fan #1 Webpage:

http://www.adventurecorps.com/deathvalley/billwalton/

OFFICIAL CHARITYThe Official Charity of AdventureCORPS is the Challenged Athletes Foundation. One of the goals of all AdventureCORPS events is to raise funds for, and awareness of, this wonderful organization.The Challenged Athletes Foundation was created on the belief that people of all abilities should have the opportunity to pursue a life full of physical activity and of sports. Be they recreational or in pursuit of a gold medal at the Paralympic Games, people with a physical disability are limited only by their access to funding. Since 1994, CAF has raised more than $24 million—allowing the Foundation to satisfy thousands of funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and across the globe.

Eighty-nine cents of every dollar raised by CAF provides funding and programs that get challenged athletes into the game. Whether it’s a $2,000 handcycle, helping underwrite a $15,000 running prosthetic or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar injury, CAF’s mission is clear: give those with the desire to live active, competitive lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love.

Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic participants may participate in CAF's "Race For a Reason" program: Ride the Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic on behalf of CAF, raise funds for this wonderful organization, and even earn cool incentive prizes in recognition of your efforts!

ABOUT ADVENTURECORPS:

La Jolla, CA-based AdventureCORPS, Inc. is an athlete-run firm producing and promoting ultra-endurance and extreme sports events, lifestyle, and media. Adventure is our way of life. AdventureCORPS’ world-class events for athlete-adventurers include epic races such as the Badwater Ultramarathon and Furnace Creek 508, muiti-day cycling lifestyle adventures known as CORPScamps, the annual Rough Riders Rally in Marin County, plus several 100- and 200-mile cycling events in Death Valley, on and around San Diego County's Mt. Laguna. We also host and develop our adventure-related websites and blogs and provide a variety of adventure-related services. Founded in 1984 by Chris Kostman, this group effort is dedicated to exploring the inner and outer universes, seeking adventure, energy, and insight both in daily life and "out there."

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Yesterday Saturday 1/09/10 was my first event of the year. The season begins with a 200km (125 miles) 7500 feet of gain Ultra. I will have more details later but for now the headline is I PR'd (Personal Record). With the help of two other riders, Drew Peterson and Dave Elsberry we finished the course in Sub 7 hours.

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About Me

I am an Ultra Cyclist and father who completed 2- Person Race Across America (RAAM) in 2007. I have finished Furnace Creek 508 SOLO FOUR consecutive years in 2006, 2007 (Fixed Gear)2008, and 2009. I am a Trans Iowa finisher and a Super Randonneur. I am a cycling coach with clients ranging from endurance cyclists, to triathletes, to beginners just entering the sport of cycling.
Email: vireo508@gmail.com
Website: www.epictrain.com